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Author: 남연재

  • EXO Announces December Fan Meeting Ahead of 2026 Comeback

    EXO will kick off a new chapter with a fan meeting this December, followed by the release of their highly anticipated new album in early 2026.

    The group will host “EXO‘verse” at Inspire Arena in Jung District, Incheon, on December 13–14. After the event, they plan to release their 8th full-length album in the first quarter of 2026 and continue a range of promotional activities.

    Members Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay will participate in both the fan meeting and the upcoming album. With each member having pursued successful solo careers, their reunion under the EXO name is expected to draw major attention from fans around the world.

    During the fan meeting, EXO will perform beloved hits such as their winter classic “First Snow,” while also unveiling a new track from their forthcoming album for the first time, heightening anticipation for their next chapter.

    Ticket reservations open via Melon Ticket, with fan club pre-sales starting on October 30 at 8 p.m. and general sales on October 31 at 8 p.m. Details about the online live broadcast through Beyond LIVE and Weverse will be announced later on EXO’s official social media channels.

    In September, EXO sparked excitement by releasing a mysterious teaser image resembling a total lunar eclipse with the phrase “DECEMBER 2025.” As hinted, the group will begin unveiling promotional content for the album starting in December.

  • Inside KREAM Dosan Flagship: The New Epicenter of Korean Trend Culture

    Limited-edition trading platform KREAM officially opened its first-ever flagship location, “KREAM DOSAN FLAGSHIP STORE,” near Dosan Park in Seoul’s Gangnam District on October 25.

    The store’s concept, titled “YOSAE” (meaning “fortress” and “the present”), reflects KREAM’s vision of creating a safe space for trend-savvy visitors to experience the latest in fashion and lifestyle. Built upon KREAM’s online curation expertise, the store showcases today’s most popular fashion and cultural trends through a highly stylized, community-driven experience.

    Designed as a space where visitors can freely gather, share tastes, and connect through style, the store embodies KREAM’s core identity — “the place to experience the hottest fashion first.”

    The KREAM Dosan Flagship Store features a retail zone that offers a wide range of apparel, accessories, and luxury goods. It also includes a curation zone where thematic exhibitions and pop-up events are held. The sneaker zone displays more than 140 pairs of highly sought-after sneakers available for fitting and purchase.

    Additionally, the store provides a private VIP room designed for an exclusive and personalized shopping experience.

    Beyond fashion, visitors can enjoy lifestyle and dining experiences at Peaches, Chef Oh Joon-tak’s restaurant “tak”, and The Coffee, a minimalist-style café — completing a holistic culture of fashion, food, and lifestyle.

    Following its successful offline expansions in Lotte World Mall, Hongdae, and The Hyundai Seoul, KREAM’s first flagship in Dosan marks a defining step in expressing the brand’s philosophy and creative direction.

  • 7-Eleven Unveils ‘New Wave Plus’ Store in Myeongdong, Combining K-Pop & K-Food

    7-Eleven has unveiled its upgraded store concept, ‘New Wave Plus,’ in Myeongdong, Seoul, as part of its next-generation franchise model.

    ‘New Wave Plus’ is a new concept store that enhances the experience of K-food and offers a blend of Korean cultural and fun experiences. Myeongdong, a famous tourist hotspot, has been selected as the first location for this concept.

    The Myeongdong store has strengthened the original ‘New Wave’ model by incorporating immersive sensory experiences. The store spans about 110 pyeong (363.63㎡) near exit 8 of Myeongdong Station and features food stations, fashion & beauty, K-Ramen zones, and new participatory content such as a global K-POP fandom zone and K-event zone.

    A pop-up zone selling K-pop idol goods occupies over 10% of the total store space. Additionally, a “Nuguri Ramen Shop” corner created in partnership with Nongshim features instant ramen-making stations decorated with Nuguri character models. Considering the high proportion of foreign tourists (over 70%), the store also includes a space for selling various souvenirs.

    Furthermore, 7-Eleven plans to open the ‘New Wave Myeongdong Daero’ and ‘New Wave Daejeon Lotte’ stores by the end of the month and is planning further openings in non-capital regions later this year.

  • NMIXX Sweeps Charts and Wins 5 Music Shows with ‘Blue Valentine

    K-pop girl group NMIXX has cemented its position as a next-generation powerhouse, sweeping domestic and global charts with its first full-length album, “Blue Valentine.”

    Released on October 13, the 12-track album builds on the group’s signature “MIXX POP” genre — first introduced in their debut track “O.O” — blending diverse musical styles into a bold and cohesive sound. Critics praised the project as “the album that fully defines NMIXX’s identity.”

    The title track “Blue Valentine” soared to No. 1 on Melon’s Top 100 just one week after release, maintaining the top spot on daily charts for three consecutive days. It also dominated major music rankings including Melon HOT 100, Bugs, FLO, Circle Download Chart, and Hanteo Weekly Album Chart.

    On music shows, NMIXX claimed five consecutive wins, topping MBC M’s Show! Champion (22nd), Mnet’s M Countdown (23rd), KBS2’s Music Bank (24th), MBC’s Show! Music Core (25th), and SBS’s Inkigayo (26th).

    Members Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, BAE, Jiwoo, and Kyujin impressed fans with flawless live vocals during encore stages, showcasing their musical growth and confidence.

    Following the success of their album, NMIXX will kick off their first world tour, “EPISODE 1: ZERO FRONTIER,” starting with a two-day concert in Incheon Inspire Arena on November 29–30, before heading overseas.

  • From Korea to the World: Grabity Expands with Scientific Haircare Proof

    Developed by Professor Hae-shin Lee of KAIST’s Department of Chemistry and a team of young scientists, Grabity Shampoo is a breakthrough anti-hair loss functional product backed by advanced science.

    The shampoo contains a high concentration of LiftMax 308™, a patented KAIST ingredient, designed to form a protective layer on the hair surface and minimize damage from external stress.Clinical studies meeting international standards have confirmed its powerful results — a 6.27% increase in hair thickness and a 140% boost in volume after just one use.After two weeks, hair loss was reduced by approximately 70%, and an SCI-grade paper published this year verified a 90%+ improvement in hair density.

    The formula is EWG Green-certified, 100% vegan, and has earned the Dermatest “Excellent” rating in Germany. In line with its eco-conscious mission, the product uses recycled coconut-shell containers and refill pouches for sustainability.

    Since its Korean debut in April 2023, Grabity has sold 1.65 million bottles and achieved 29 billion KRW in revenue.

    It topped Japan’s Rakuten K-Beauty category on launch day and expanded into offline sales through Tokyo’s Re:Make Beauty Store.

    Its international milestones include participation in CES 2025 and Foire de Paris, as well as a sold-out record on Taiwan’s Momo Home Shopping.

    Grabity’s global roadmap continues through North America → Europe → Southeast Asia, supported by a strategic partnership with Silicon2, Korea’s top K-beauty export hub.

    Plans are underway for entry into Galeries Lafayette Haussmann (France) and Pinalli (Italy) in early 2026, followed by Boots Indonesia and Food Hall premium supermarkets later that year.

    A representative from Polyphenol Factory stated, “The global demand for scientifically proven, smart haircare solutions is growing rapidly. Grabity offers a new alternative for consumers struggling with thin and weak hair.”

  • Cha Eun-woo’s ‘ELSE’ Promises Emotion and Charisma Amid Military Hiatus

    Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo is set to comfort fans missing him during his military service with a brand-new solo release.

    On October 24, a “coming soon” teaser video for his second solo mini album, ELSE, was unveiled through his official social media and YouTube channel.

    In the teaser, Cha Eun-woo captivates viewers with a mysterious aura, expressing complex emotions through subtle changes in expression and gesture. His intense charisma — accentuated by a leather jacket and realistic wound makeup — hints at a darker, more mature concept.

    Currently serving diligently in the Army Band since July, Cha Eun-woo completed recording for the album prior to enlistment, showing his unwavering dedication to music even during his service.

    ELSE marks his first solo comeback in nearly 21 months since his debut mini album ENTITY (released in February 2023), heightening anticipation among global fans.

    Cha Eun-woo’s second solo mini album ELSE will be officially released worldwide on November 21 at 1 PM (KST) through all major music platforms.

  • Lotteria Steps onto the Runway — Showcases Eco-Friendly Uniforms with Monseinu

    Lotte GRS’s burger franchise brand Lotteria made a surprising appearance at the Fashion Code 2026 S/S runway show held at COEX on October 23, unveiling collaborative workwear designed with the eco-friendly designer brand Monseinu.

    The collaboration marks Lotteria’s latest effort to expand its ESG initiatives into the realm of fashion.

    The project highlights the two brands’ shared philosophy of sustainability and social value, expressed through creative fashion design.

    Monseinu, known for using recycled and natural materials, worked with young artists with disabilities to create workwear inspired by Lotteria’s identity and heritage.

    The artists incorporated Lotteria’s iconic logo into designs for PK shirts, hoodies, caps, and graphic T-shirts, reinterpreting nostalgic childhood memories through colorful graphics. The pieces balance functionality suitable for in-store uniforms with emotional and aesthetic touches, resulting in sophisticated, wearable designs.

    Lotte GRS announced plans to release limited-edition eco-friendly goods such as tote bags and tumblers based on the showcased designs.

    The company also plans to replace existing uniforms with eco-friendly materials, and is considering introducing the new collection for special stores inspired by the fashion show lineup.

  • Mega MGC Coffee x RIIZE: Exclusive Collab Goods Hit Stores Nationwide

    Mega MGC Coffee has announced the launch of two new collaboration items with popular K-pop boy group RIIZE, available sequentially across stores nationwide starting October 23.

    This collaboration marks the highlight of Mega MGC Coffee’s ongoing SMGC campaign with SM Entertainment. Even before the release, the products received enthusiastic reactions at fan signing events, with comments such as “the design quality is amazing” and “it looks like the official light stick — a must-have collectible.”

    The collection features ▲RIIZE Love Dome Tumbler Set and ▲Memories Beam Camera Keyring.

    The tumbler, inspired by RIIZE’s official light stick, features a dome-shaped magnetic lid, a 500ml capacity, and both heat and cold retention functions. It also includes a strap for convenience and collectible member photo postcards for fans.

    The Beam Camera Keyring, designed in the shape of a guitar, projects the image of a RIIZE member when its light beam shines in a dark space. With an adjustable strap, it can also serve as a trendy fashion accessory.

    A representative from Mega MGC Coffee commented, “We planned these goods and events to encourage deeper interaction between the brand and fandom. We’ll continue expanding our connection with fan culture and respond to consumers’ desires.”

  • Wooyang Museum Unveils Lost Works of Nam June Paik

    A special exhibition titled “Nam June Paik: Humanity in the Circuits” featuring 12 works, including major pieces and prints by Nam June Paik, is being held at the Wooyang Museum of Contemporary Art in Gyeongju, South Korea.

    Greeting visitors at the entrance is Ancient Horseman Figure (1991), a work Paik created to commemorate the museum’s opening.

    Reinterpreting the familiar Silla-era relic “Clay Figure on Horseback,” the piece depicts a human made of television sets riding a horse — symbolizing the connection between analog and digital, the local and the global.

    The concept aligns perfectly with the upcoming APEC Summit in Gyeongju (Oct. 31–Nov. 1) under the theme “Connectivity, Innovation, and Prosperity.”

    The exhibition also showcases two rarely seen works from Paik’s iconic My Faust series — Economics and Spirituality.

    Inspired by Goethe’s Faust, the series explores the human condition and modern value systems.

    Economics uses currency and Gothic architecture imagery to critique the worship of capital, while Spirituality employs vivid religious symbols and video structures to question the sustainability of the soul.

    Both works have been restored and revealed for the first time in over 30 years since their last display at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in 1992.

    Other major works from the 1980s–1990s are also on view, including Electronic Superhighway–1929 Ford, a visionary piece combining a 1929 Ford car with a wooden palanquin and the phrase “Electronic Superhighway,” representing the fusion of tradition and modernity, East and West, past and future.A museum curator noted, “Paik believed that the world could be united through art. This exhibition best reflects that belief.”

    The exhibition runs through November 30 at Wooyang Museum of Contemporary Art, Gyeongju.

  • Adidas Launches ‘CAFÉ 3 STRIPES SEOUL’ — A Fusion of Fashion, Lifestyle, and Communit

    Adidas Korea will officially open its new concept space, “CAFÉ 3 STRIPES SEOUL,” in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, on October 25.

    Designed as a community hub that bridges sports, fashion, and lifestyle, the new café is positioned as a cultural hotspot where visitors can share their tastes and experience new trends.

    The building’s exterior draws inspiration from German industrial design, blending concrete, brick, and steel structures to create a balance between classic and modern aesthetics. Inside, the iconic three stripes motif appears throughout, highlighting the brand’s signature identity.

    The café’s menu features around 50 items, including a cake shaped like the Adidas logo and a variety of bakery and beverage selections that reflect Gen Z’s focus on healthy living.

    Developed in collaboration with Dore Creative Crew, the health-conscious menu goes beyond typical café offerings — embodying Adidas’s philosophy of an “active lifestyle.”

    A private fashion show titled “FUN BEYOND RULES CROSSING” will take place in the café’s yard on October 24 at 7 PM, unveiling looks from the FW25 season.

    The event will showcase new products across multiple lines, including Originals, Running, Outdoor, and Sportswear.

    More details can be found on Adidas’s official website and Instagram.